Chicago-based investment firm Capri Capital Partners is moving forward with plans for a massive makeover of Crenshaw Plaza, but members of the surrounding community are worried. The construction of the MTA's new Crenshaw/LAX Rail Line has generated intense interest from developers, and there are a number of new projects proposed for the area. But none are as big as the plan to redevelop Crenshaw Plaza, which would add over 2,000,000 square feet to the existing mall. The project would include retail, restaurants, office space, a hotel, and over 900 market rate residential units. The Crenshaw Subway Coalition fears the project will encourage rapid gentrification, and has posted the following statement on their web site.

There's no easy fix for LA's affordable housing crisis, but there are a number of promising paths to explore. Curbed LA recently spoke to people in cities across the US that are trying innovative approaches to building new housing. Read the article and ask yourself whether any of these ideas might help LA move forward on this issue.

While there are lots of ideas about how to build affordable housing, whatever approach we take is going to cost money. City Hall has been talking about imposing development fees for years, but now professors from UCLA's Luskin School have proposed a flat tax on every parcel in Los Angeles. Jack Humphreville feels that asking property owners to kick in another $1,000 a year is going way too far.

We tend to take infrastructure for granted until it stops working, but maintaining and upgrading the systems that provide us with water, power, transit and other services is an ongoing challenge. In response to changes in federal regulations, the City of LA was forced to stop using Silverlake Reservoir as a source for drinking water. The solution was to construct the new Headworks Reservoir Complex, two underground reservoirs between Forest Lawn Drive and the LA River. The first phase was recently completed, and construction of phase two is well underway. You can learn more by watching the DWP’s video on the project.

Earlier this year Councilmember David Ryu announced the acquisition of 14.9 acres that will be added to Runyon Canyon. Join members of the Hollywood community in celebrating the expansion on August 10. The party will feature tasty shaved ice cones and mariachi music. Click on the link for details.